Hokkaido is located in the northern most part of Japan. As such, it stays cool during summer, so it’s a good place to escape the heat. Hokkaido offers a variety of fun activities – during winter, visitors can ski or try other winter sports. Hokkaido is known for fresh seafood and other delicacies; additionally, Hokkaido has numerous sightseeing spots like Hakodate and Sapporo. In this article, we’re featuring July events that you can attend to fully experience Hokkaido.

Sports Event

1. 2018 Hakodate Marathon July 1, 2018

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source: RunHub

Hakodate has received attention as the final stop on the Hokkaido Shinkansen. To commemorate the completion of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, a full marathon has been organized since 2016, along with the original half-marathon. Runners attend the event from across Japan. The race starts at the Chiyogadai Park Running Track, amongst fervent support from onlookers, and participants run through Nakajima Renbai, a market for the residents of Hakodate, where they shop for fresh ingredients at cheap prices; Isaribi-dori, a flat section that faces the Tsugaru Strait; and the foothills of Hakodate Mountain. The route has been checked and approved by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations. By running the marathon, one can see the dual beauty of mountains and the sea in Hakodate Mountain and Tsugaru Strait, along with the scenic townscape of Hakodate, including the Red Brick Warehouse in the popular bay area. While registration to the marathon has ended, you can still cheer on the runners, while touring the town of Hakodate.

Schedule

July 1, 2018 Start time for half-marathon 9:00; for full marathon 9:10

*Race will take place regardless of the weather

Access and Address

Chiyogadai Park Running Track (Start/Finish)

・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
3-minute walk from Chiyogadai Station

・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
20 minutes by train and on foot from Hakodate station

・Address 22-24 Chigadai-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Free to watch and reservations are not required

Official Website

https://hakodate-marathon.jp/

Traditional Festivals

2. Oni-Hanabi in Jigoku-no-Tani Every Thursday and Friday During June and July 2018

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source: hokkaidojp183

“Oni-Hanabi in Jigoku-no-Tani” is an event featuring Yukijin (demonic gods of hot springs), whom march with gongs, taiko, and handheld fireworks to dispel bad spirits, taking place at Jigokudani in Noboribetsu, the home of Yukijin and setting for the tales of Oni-hanabi. The oni-hanabi are shot into the night sky like a volcano eruption. 24 fireworks are shot in one round with 3,000 to 4,000 people gathering to watch each round. The event is held at Noboribetsu, which is a hot spring area. Accordingly, visitors can dip their feet in foot baths or visit the Noboribetsu Jigokudani, a 450-meter long volcanic crater that is located to the northeast of the town. Jigokudani is the largest spring source for the Noboribetsu area and you can see numerous vents along the valley releasing a trail of white smoke – the spectacle resembles hell, hence the name Jigokudani (hell valley). Catch the unique panorama of a hot spring area.

Schedule

・Event Date and Time
・Scheduled Programs During Event

Every Thursday and Friday during June and July 2018
Start time for all days 20:30~

*Event will take place regardless of the weather

Access and Address

・Location
Near the observation deck at Noboribetsu Jigokudani

・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
10-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal

・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
1.5 hours by bus and on foot from Shin-Chitose Airport
・Address Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Free and reservations are not required

Official Website

http://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/?events=onihanabi

Food Event

3. Lemon Sour Festival 2018 in Sapporo July 6, 2018 through July 7, 2018

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source:fashion-press

Lemon Sour Festival 2018 in Sapporo is a large-scale event to promote the consumption of lemon sour, which has recently become popular amongst younger generations. This year, the event will be held at 7 different cities, including Sapporo, where it will be held at Sapporo-shi Kita 3-jo Plaza over 2 days. At the event, visitors can not only try the original lemon sour, which mixes shochu with carbonated water and lemon, but also new iterations of the drink, such as those that use frozen lemons or syrup-pickled lemon, along with food from 5 izakayas. Last year, the event attracted 5,208 visitors and served 6,679 cups of lemon sour. Take this opportunity to try the popular lemon sour.

Schedule

・Event Date and Time
・Scheduled Programs During Event

July 6th and 7th 2018

July 6th (Fri) 16:00~20:00 (last order 19:30)
July 7th (Sat) 11:00~18:00 (last order 17:30)

Access and Address

・Location
Sapporo-shi Kita 3-jo Plaza

・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
7-minute walk from Sapporo station

・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
7-minute walk from Sapporo station

・Address  Kita 2-jo Nishi 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Free and reservations are not required

Official Website

http://lemonsourfes.jp/

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